National League of Cities Supports Federal-to-Local Funding Structure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association commended the National League of Cities (NLC) for passing language in their 2018 National Municipal Policy expressing strong support for preserving Head Start’s federal-to-local funding structure.

“The National League of Cities’ action shows that city leaders value the flexibility Head Start’s current federal-to-local funding structure gives their communities,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “Head Start kids and families benefit from both the local decision-making powers and the consistency of the nationwide Head Start Program Performance Standards that are built into the current system. We commend NLC for recognizing that there is no need for Congress or federal administrators to change what has worked well for decades, and we look forward to partnering with them to protect Head Start’s future.”

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to realizing the promise of Head Start; that all children have a chance to succeed in school and in life. NHSA is the voice for nearly 700,000 children served by more than 250,000 staff every single day in rural, urban, and suburban communities in all 50 states. In 2025, we celebrate 60 years of service to 40 million children, their families, and communities across the country. ••• Media Contact: Lauren Lawson-Zilai; Senior Director, Communications; media@nhsa.org

In Recent News

Early Head Start Providers, Parents and Experts Urge Congress to Prioritize Babies’ Development During Appropriations

Early Head Start providers, parents and experts urged Congress to consider the important role Early Head Start plays in ensuring the development of America’s youngest learners.

Read More

Statement from National Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci on HHS Decision To Change Head Start Enrollment Criteria

NHSA responds to HHS DECISION TO CHANGE HEAD START ENROLLMENT CRITERIA

Read More

The Academy at the National Head Start Association (NHSA) Receives Prestigious IACET Accreditation for Continuing Education and Training

The Academy at the National Head Start Association (NHSA) has been awarded accreditation by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This recognition affirms that The Academy at NHSA has met the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training, which is internationally recognized as a mark of excellence in...

Read More